Eastern Star Academy, Inc.

JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL DEPARTMENT

Student’s Name: __________________________________________________

Grade Level: Grade 8 Learning Modality: Modular Distance Learning
Subject: Science 8 Subject Teacher: Peter D. Cloma Jr., LPT

GENERAL INSTRUCTION:
Please read carefully. You may jot down notes or use highlighter in reading the information sheets to
assure retention and comprehension. DO NOT SUBMIT the INFORMATION SHEETS. The activity
sheets will be submitted according to the given schedule. PLEASE WRITE LEGIBLY. Always write
your name and other essential data upon submission. PLEASE follow the prescribed schedule to avoid
incomplete outputs and cramming in the process. DO NOT CHEAT. Disciplinary actions will be taken if
caught and proven. Enjoy learning.

Lesson How Typhoons Develop?

#1

After going through this module, you are expected to:

Explain how typhoon develops and how it is affected by landforms and
bodies of water. (MELC Week 4-5)

Being in the tropics, the Philippines is visited by typhoons almost every year. These typhoons
are also referred to as tropical cyclones. Some of these typhoons leave minimal damages but a
number have already been listed in history as devastating. Not a single part of our country is exempted
from these forces of nature.
A lot of individuals mostly use the word “typhoon” and are seemingly unaware of the term “tropical
cyclone.” In this module, you will understand that a typhoon is just one category of a tropical cyclone.
According to Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration
(PAGASA), there were 13 tropical cyclones that entered the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) in
2019.
Do you know that the Philippines is prone to tropical cyclones? It is because of its geographical
location which generally produce heavy rains, flooding of large areas, strong winds which result in
heavy casualties to human life, and destructions to crops and properties. That is why, it is very
important to have sufficient knowledge on tropical cyclones for our benefit. The picture below shows
how typhoon can greatly affect our lives.
The terms "hurricane" and "typhoon" are regionally specific names for a strong "tropical cyclone".

A tropical cyclone is the generic term for a non-frontal synoptic scale low-pressure system over tropical
or sub-tropical waters with organized convection (i.e. thunderstorm activity) and definite cyclonic
surface wind circulation (Holland 1993).

Tropical cyclones with maximum sustained surface winds of less than 17 m/s (34 kt, 39 mph) are
usually called "tropical depressions" (This is not to be confused with the condition mid-latitude people
get during a long, cold and grey winter wishing they could be closer to the equator). Once the tropical
cyclone reaches winds of at least 17 m/s (34 kt, 39 mph) they are typically called a "tropical storm" or
in Australia a Category 1 cyclone and are assigned a name. If winds reach 33 m/s (64 kt, 74 mph),
then they are called:

 "hurricane" (the North Atlantic Ocean, the Northeast Pacific Ocean east of the dateline, or the
South Pacific Ocean east of 160E)
 "typhoon" (the Northwest Pacific Ocean west of the dateline)
 "severe tropical cyclone" or "Category 3 cyclone" and above (the Southwest Pacific Ocean west
of 160°E or Southeast Indian Ocean east of 90°E)
 "very severe cyclonic storm" (the North Indian Ocean)
 "tropical cyclone" (the Southwest Indian Ocean)

TROPICAL CYCLONE

Oceans and seas have great influence on the weather of continental masses. A large portion of the
solar energy reaching the sea-surface is expended in the process of evaporation. These waters
evaporated from the sea/ocean is carried up into the atmosphere and condenses, forming clouds from
which all forms of precipitation result. Sometimes, intense cyclonic circulations occur which is what we
call the tropical cyclones.

Tropical cyclones are warm-core low pressure systems associated with a spiral inflow of mass at the
bottom level and spiral outflow at the top level. They always form over oceans where sea surface
temperature, also air temperatures are greater than 26°C. The air accumulates large amounts of
sensible and latent heat as it spirals towards the center. It receives this heat from the sea and the
exchange can occur rapidly, because of the large amount of spray thrown into the air by the wind. The
energy of the tropical cyclone is thus derived from the massive liberation of the latent heat of
condensation.

Tropical cyclone is defined as a non-frontal, synoptic-scale cyclone developing over tropical and sub-
tropical waters at any level and having a definitely organized circulation. In other parts of the world,
these are referred to as hurricanes, typhoons or simply tropical cyclones depending on the region. In
the North Atlantic, Eastern North Pacific and South Pacific Ocean, they are called"hurricanes". In the
bay of Bengal, Arabian Sea and Western South Indian Ocean, the name is"cyclonic". In the eastern
part of the Southern Indian Ocean, it is "willy-willy", and in the Western North Pacific Ocean, they are
called "typhoons".

Tropical cyclones can only form over oceans of the world except in the South Atlantic Ocean and the
south eastern Pacific where a tropical cyclone could never be formed due to the cooler sea surface
temperature and higher vertical wind shears. They develop at latitudes usually greater than 5° from the
equator. They reach their greatest intensity while located over warm tropical water. As soon as they
move inland, they begin to weaken, but often not before they have caused great destruction.
The Philippines is prone to tropical cyclones due to its geographical location which generally produce
heavy rains and flooding of large areas and also strong winds which result in heavy casualties to
human life and destructions to crops and properties. Thus, it is of utmost importance to have sufficient
knowledge on such maritime phenomena for beneficial purposes.

CLASSIFICATION OF TROPICAL CYCLONES

Tropical cyclones derive their energy from the latent heat of condensation which made them exist only
over the oceans and die out rapidly on land. One of its distinguishing features is its having a central
sea-level pressure of 900 mb or lower and surface winds often exceeding 100 knots. They reach their
greatest intensity while located over warm tropical waters and they begin to weaken as they move
inland. The intensity of tropical cyclones vary, thus , we can classify them based upon their degree of
intensity.

The classification of tropical cyclones according to the strength of the associated windsas adopted by
PAGASA as of 01 May 2015 are as follows:

TROPICAL DEPRESSION (TD) - a tropical cyclone with maximum sustained winds of up to 61

kilometers per hour (kph) or less than 33 nautical miles per hour (knots) .

TROPICAL STORM (TS) - a tropical cyclone with maximum wind speed of 62 to 88 kph or 34 - 47
knots.

SEVERE TROPICAL STORM (STS) , a tropical cyclone with maximum wind speed of 89 to 117 kph or
48 - 63 knots.

TYPHOON (TY) - a tropical cyclone with maximum wind speed of 118 to 220 kph or 64 - 120 knots.
SUPER TYPHOON (STY) - a tropical cyclone with maximum wind speed exceeding 220 kph or more
than 120 knots.

Features of Tropical Cyclone

The atmospheric pressure decrease from the periphery of the circulation towards the center of the eye
and reaches its lowest value in the "eye" itself. On the other hand, as the wind blows inward, its speed
increases and reaches its maximum value just outside of the "eye" near the surface of the ocean, the
winds converge towards the center. The converging air is forced upward carrying with it moisture in the
form of water vapor. As the air rises, the water vapor it contains cools by expansion and eventually
condenses to form clouds. The condensation of the water vapor causes the release of the latent heat
trapped within it. The latent heat released increases the buoyancy of the cloud and provides the
energy for the sustenance of the tropical cyclone circulation. In view of the vigorous ascent of air, the
clouds formed around the "eye" have large vertical extent with tops reaching beyond 12 kilometers
above the surface. Such massive cloud formation produces heavy rains with large-sized raindrops.

At the top of the storm system, the rising warm air is transported outward and form an anvil-shaped
cloud called "cumulonimbus". Further away from the center, at the tip the air becomes colder and dry
and starts "sinking" downward. In this area, which is outside the storm system, the weather is
abnormally good. This is the basis for the saying "lull before the storm" which many perceptive people
notice before the arrival of the storm.

Effects of Tropical Cyclone

Tropical cyclone constitutes one of the most destructive natural disasters that affects many countries
around the globe and exacts tremendous annual losses in lives and property. Its impact is greatest
over the coastal areas, which bear the brunt of the strong surface winds, squalls, induced tornadoes,
and flooding from heavy rains, rather than strong winds, that cause the greatest loss in lives and
destruction to property in coastal areas.
 

 
  We already know what to expect when a typhoon comes. We get many rains
and strong winds. You may not have noticed it, but the winds in every typhoon move
in an exceedingly circular direction. Take a look at Figure 2.

Figure 2. Super typhoon Yolanda as seen from above. At the

middle is the “eye” of the typhoon

(Image by DOST PAGASA https://tinyurl.com/yxjkwfyp)

The picture (figure 2) shows a satellite image of super typhoon Yolanda that
hit the Philippines on November 8, 2013. Do you see the clouds in a spiral
arrangement? They are being blown by winds in a counterclockwise direction.
The tropical depression, tropical storm, severe tropical storm, typhoon, and super
typhoon are categories of tropical cyclones (see Table 2). In simple term, a tropical
cyclone is a system of thunderstorms moving in a circular direction. As the winds
strengthen or weaken, the category is upgraded or downgraded accordingly.
Table 2. Classification of Tropical Cyclone with its Corresponding Wind Speed

Maximum sustained winds in

Tropical Cyclone Category
kilometer per hour (kph)
Tropical Depression (TD) up to 61
Tropical Storm (TS) 62 to 88
Severe Tropical Storm (STS) 89 to 117
Typhoon (TY) 118 to 220
Super Typhoon (STY) exceeding 220
Source:http://bagong.pagasa.dost.gov.ph./information/about-tropical-cyclone
 The term “typhoon” is common in the northwestern part of the Pacific. Within
the northeastern part of the Pacific Ocean and also in the northern part of the
Atlantic Ocean, the equivalent term of typhoon is “hurricane.” In the Philippines, we
call all categories of tropical cyclone as “bagyo,” may it be a tropical depression,
tropical storm, severe tropical storm, typhoon or super typhoon. When a tropical
cyclone enters the PAR, the PAGASA will announce Public Storm Warning Signals
(PSWS). The lifting or assigning of a PSWS in a certain place usually happens
before the corresponding atmospheric conditions exist over the locality. This is
because the aim of the signal is to warn the people of the approaching danger that
the tropical cyclone may bring. It is important to remember that the appropriate
interval of the range of the wind speeds for every signal is only valid when PAGASA
puts to effect the signal number for the first time.

Table 3. Revised Public Storm Warning Signals

PSW Lead Wind Speed Impacts of the Wind
S Time (kph)
(hrs)
1 36 30 - 60 no damage to very light
damage
2 24 61 - 120 light to moderate damage
3 18 121 - 170 moderate to heavy damage
4 12 171 - 220 heavy to very heavy damage
5 12 more than very heavy to widespread
220 damage
Source http://bagong.pagasa.dost.gov.ph/learning-tools/public-storm-warning-signal

A tropical cyclone is a natural phenomenon that nobody can stop. We can

only prepare for its arrival through the communications coming from PAGASA.
Weather forecasts on television, on newspapers and over the radio may assist in
the dissemination of these information for the public to know. It is important as
well, to have a sufficient knowledge about these weather conditions for us to be
ready and be safe should one hit our place. What should we do in times of grave
danger like this? Read some tips on the next page.

Table 4. What to Do During a Typhoon

PSWS 1 PSWS 2 PSWS 3 PSWS 4 PSWS 5
1. Listen to your 1. Special attention 1. Keep your radio 1. Stay in safe 1. Stay in
radio for more should be given to on and listen to the houses or safe houses or
information about the latest position, latest news about evacuation evacuation
weather the direction, and typhoon. centers centers
disturbance. speed movement as
the cyclone may 2. Everybody is 2. All travels 2. All travels
2. Check the intensify and move and outdoor
advised to stay in and outdoor
ability of the house towards the locality. activities should
safe and strong activities
to withstand strong houses. be cancelled. should be
winds and 2. The general cancelled.
strengthen it if public, especially 3. Evacuate from 3. Keep
necessary. people travelling by
low-lying areas to listening to your
sea and air are
higher grounds. radio to the
3. The people are cautioned to avoid
latest news
unnecessary risks.
advised to monitor 4. Stay away about the
the latest severe from coasts and typhoon.
weather Bulletin 3. Protect
riverbanks.
issued by PAGASA properties before
every six hours. In signals are
the meantime, upgraded. 5. Watch out for
business may be the passage of the
"EYE" of the
carried out as 4. Board up
typhoon.
usual except when windows or put
flood occurs. storm shutters in
place and securely
fasten it. Stay at
home.

Source: http://mmda.gov.ph/20.faq/288-disaster-awareness-faq.html

Tropical cyclone is considered as one of the most destructive natural

disasters that affects the lives of many people and causes tremendous loss of
properties.
Listed below are the effects of tropical cyclone that can leave a significant
mark on the lives of people.
1. Strong winds (squalls). The surface wind increases in magnitude and is maintained over a time
interval of several minutes to half an hour. The increase in wind speed may occur abruptly or
slowly. These changes in near landfall can lead to loss of lives and large damage to properties.
2. Tornadoes. These are produced by tropical cyclone characterized by a violent and destructive
whirling wind accompanied by a funnel-shaped cloud. A weak tornado has a wind speed of
about 64-116 kph.

3. Rainfall and Flooding. Rainfall associated with tropical cyclone is both beneficial and harmful.
Rains contribute to the water needs of the areas traversed by the tropical cyclone. The rains are
harmful when the amount is way too large as to cause flooding.

4. Storm surge. This is an abnormal rise of water due to tropical cyclone and it is an oceanic event.
These devastating surges occur along coasts with low-lying terrain.

After an emergency, we may need to survive on our own for several days. We
should have our own emergency kit that will last us for at least 72 hours. An
emergency kit is a collection of basic items that a household should have in the
event of an emergency like a typhoon. Most of the things included in the kit are
inexpensive and easy to find and could save your life. Make sure your emergency kit
has the following items:
  water (one gallon per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and
sanitation)
 food (at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food)
 cellular phone with charger and power bank
 transistor radio and batteries
 whistle (to signal for help)
 flashlight and batteries
 waterproof bag

• personal hygiene items

• important documents
• 15-meter rope
• extra clothes
• pocketknife
• first aid kit
• matches
• blanket
• money
• lighter
• watch

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 ACTIVITY SHEETS
Name: __________________________ Topic: __________________________
Subject: _________________________ Grade Level: ____________________

When a weather disturbance enters the Philippine Area of Responsibility

(PAR), PAGASA, the national agency dedicated to providing flood and
typhoon warnings, public weather forecasts and advisories, begins to
monitor it. Do you know which area is covered by the PAR? Do the following
activities to find out.

Activity 1. Let’s Plot The PAR

A. Directions: Plot the following points (Table 1) on the map (Figure 1). Connect
the plotted points to identify the regions within the PAR.

Table 1. Lat-Long Position of PAR

P Latitude,
o Longitude
i
n
t
s
a 5°N,115°E
b 15°N, 115°E
c 21°N, 120°E
d 25°N, 120°E
e 25°N, 135°E
f 5°N, 135°E
Source: Campo et al. Science-Grade 8 Learner’s Module (Philippines: FEP
Printing Corporation, 2016), 140.

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B. Directions: Answer the following questions with Yes or No. Write your
answers on a separate sheet of paper.

Questions:
1. If the typhoon is located at 17 °N, 138 °E, is it within PAR?
2. If the typhoon is at 19 °N, 115 °E, is it within PAR?
3. If the typhoon is at 18 °N, 125 °E location, is it within PAR?
4. If the typhoon is located at 8 °N, 130 °E, is it within PAR?

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Activity 3. Track My Trail

Directions: Shown below are the paths of 3 tropical cyclones that

entered PAR. Tropical Storm Jolina in August 2017,
Typhoon Ompong in September 2018, and Tropical
Storm Jenny in August 2019 respectively. The tracks
were plotted by PAGASA. Study the map and answer
the questions. Write your answers on a separate
sheet of paper.

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 Figure 2. Paths of Selected Tropical Cyclones that have Entered PAR in the
Past Years

Questions:

1. Where did the 3 tropical cyclones form?

2. In what direction did the tropical cyclones move?

3. Which is the strongest among the three tropical cyclones?

4. What factor/s contributed to the strength of the typhoon?

5. Why is the Philippines prone to tropical cyclone?

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 How Landforms and Bodies of Water Affect
Lesson
#2 Typhoons within the Philippine

A tropical cyclone can only form over oceans of the world

except in the South Atlantic Ocean and the Southeastern Pacific
due to its lower air temperature. Oceans in the tropics, and
landforms in nearby countries can affect the formation of typhoons.

A tropical cyclone can only form over oceans of the world except in the South
Atlantic Ocean and the Southeastern Pacific due to its lower air temperature.
Oceans in the tropics, and landforms in nearby countries can affect the formation
of typhoons.

FORMATION OF TROPICAL CYCLONE

The following are the necessary requirements established for tropical cyclone formation:

Sufficiently large ocean areas with a surface temperature of more than 26°C or 27°C that air
lifted from the lowest atmospheric layers and expanded moist adiabatically remain
considerably warmer than the surrounding undisturbed atmosphere at least up to a level of
about 40,000 feet.

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Initial disturbances from which storms later developed may be detected within 5° of latitude
of the equator, but these disturbances do not intensify into typhoons or hurricanes until they
are more than 5° of latitude from the equator (since the value of the coriolis parameter should
be larger than a certain minimum value.

Weak vertical wind shear in the basic current so in those areas of small mean zonal-wind
shear are also areas of active storm formation.

A pre-existing low level disturbance over a warm ocean area and a region of upper-level
divergence or outflow above the surface disturbance (though not all these areas of organized
convective activity develop into tropical cyclones or greater intensity).

Several theories have been formulated on the formation of tropical cyclones. These are the
"convective theory" and the "frontal" or "counter-current" theory.

According to the convective theory, a large mass of air becomes convectively unstable and
moist compared with its surroundings, which results in an upward motion of air. The air from
the surroundings tend toward the low pressure area formed, so that, a cyclonic circulation is

15
formed. The combined effects of the earth's rotation and the centrifugal force, retards the
movements of air towards the center causing further pressure fall. The process continues until
a vigorous cyclonic wind system is developed. Likewise, the outward flow of air from the
center at high levels also makes the pressure lower.

The frontal theory indicates that many tropical cyclones form along the front between the
trade winds and the equatorial air in the doldrums . Winds develop along this front and when
conditions are favorable, forms into tropical cyclones. The convergence of the two air masses
results in the upward motions which in addition to the deflective effect of the earth's rotation,
centrifugal force , and divergence at the upper levels results in allow pressure area with a
spiral circulation toward the center.

Likewise, as already listed above, tropical cyclones develop over sea surfaces having at least
26°C. Though these heat sources are not sufficient to start a hurricane going, the heat of
condensation supports the process once started. Tropical cyclones are also generated in
disturbances along the intertropical convergence zone, on traverse waves or under
superimposed upper disturbances. But the upper divergence must exceed low-level
convergence in order to cause surface pressures to decrease (which is called deepening ).

In general, therefore, development of a tropical cyclone takes place when there is proper
combination of circulation, divergence and convergence which is maintained over a
considerable period of time on a proper scale.

Tropical cyclones undergo constant metamorphosis from birth through maturity to decay.
They last for about six days, in general, before they enter the land or reach sub-tropical
latitudes. However, some can be detected only a few hours or perhaps a day or two, while
others are observed as long as a fortnight.

The four stages of the life history of a cyclone are:

Formative Stage

The incipient stage when the tropical cyclone form in waves and in shear lines of pre-existing
disturbances and winds usually remain below the typhoon force.

Immature Stage

The deepening stage of the cyclone during which it continues to deepen until the lowest
central pressure and the maximum wind intensity are reached. However, intensification does
not usually takes place since some have been known to die down even though the winds has
attained typhoon force.

Mature Stage

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The stage of maturity of the tropical cyclones where the areas of circulation expands while
the surface pressure no longer falls and no increase in maximum winds speed can be
observed which may last for a week.

Decaying Stage

The dissipating stage of the tropical cyclone where the surface pressure rises and the area
affected by the cyclones diminishes in size as it recurves or dissipate due to friction and lack
of moisture over

Landforms
Landforms affect wind directions, and therefore disrupt the
spin of a typhoon. Typhoon weakens because of lack of water to
supply the needed moisture in the air. When this happens, the air
temperature drops; as the water vapor cools, fog forms, and rain
may fall on the windward side of the mountain. When the same
atmosphere descends on the other side of the mountain, it brings a
minimal amount of water vapor. A “rain shadow” or dry climate
develops on the leeward side of the mountain.
Figure 2 shows the windward side which has more
vegetation compared on the leeward side. This is because of the
amount of precipitation the windward side receives. When air goes
up into the mountain, it loses its moisture and only dry air proceeds
to the leeward side making that side produce less vegetation.

Illustrated by: Rosa Mia L. Pontillo

Figure 2: The Surface Features of a Mountain

Landforms like tall mountain ranges act as an obstacle to

traveling air masses, forcing them to rise over the peaks. A
typhoon is likely to dissolve or decrease its wind speed when it
passes over a mountain or a mountain range. The cold air on top
of a mountain prevents the building up of a typhoon, which needs

17
warmer air.
Bodies of Water
The bodies of water help in the formation and development
of a typhoon. In order for a typhoon to develop, it needs the
abundance of warm water, high humidity, optimal location, ocean
water with a temperature of 26.5˚C, spanning from the surface up
to the depth of at least 50 meters (160 ft), and low vertical wind
shear. Warm bodies of water are the main factors in the formation
of a typhoon. The air in bodies of water is warm due to the
evaporation of water. This warm air builds up or increases the wind
speed of a typhoon. Typhoon gains energy from warm ocean water
and loses it over cold water.

Figure 3. Spiraling of Water in the Ocean Forming Tropical Cyclone

Illustrated by: Rosa Mia L. Pontillo

As shown in Figure 3, the warm, moist air over the ocean

moves up and away leaving lesser air near the surface. You
already learned in Grade 7 that warm air rises, causing an area of
lower air pressure. Air from the surroundings with higher air
pressure pushes in to the low-pressure area. As the warm air
continues to rise, the surrounding air spins in to take its place. As
the warmed, moist air rises and cools off, the water in the air
condensates and forms clouds. The whole system of clouds and
winds spins together and grows.
Do you know that storms that form north of the equator spin
counter clockwise and storms south of the equator spin

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 clockwise? This is because of the Earth's rotation on its axis.
ACTIVITY SHEETS
Name: __________________________ Topic: __________________________
Subject: _________________________ Grade Level: ____________________

Activity 1: Directions: Fill in the blanks with the correct terms to complete
the statements.
Write your answers on a separate sheet of paper.

1. Landforms like tall act as an obstacle to

traveling air masses, forcing them to rise over the peaks.

2. A is likely to dissolve or decrease its wind speed

when it passes over a mountain or a mountain range.

3. Bodies of water like , is the main factor in the formation of

typhoon.

4. The air in bodies of water is due to the evaporation of

water.

5. Warm air builds up or increases the of a tropical cyclone.

Activity 2. My Windy Reflection

Directions: Write the anser (essay at the back of this paper.

When a typhoon visits your place, it brings a lot of damages depending on

its strength. As a student, what can you do to protect yourself and your family
from this natural disaster?

Rubric

4 points 3 points 2 points 1

poin
t
Main idea is clear Main idea is Main idea is Main idea is not
and well-supported clear and clear but not clear.
with 3-4 detailed supported with supported with
information. 1-2 detailed detailed
information. information.

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 JOURNAL

Name: __________________________ Topic: _____________________________

Subject: _________________________ Week #: ____________________

Write your realization, understandings, and all things you’ve learned and
experienced in accomplishing the module. Write legibly.
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Parent’s/ Guardian’s Signature: __________________
Teacher’s Feedback:
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